"It may sound odd, but it is true.

De Gemosac is one of the most powerful men in France--not intellectually, perhaps, but by reason of his great name--and they would not dare to touch a protege or a guest of his.

If you go back there now you must stay at Gemosac; they have put the chateau into a more habitable condition, and are ready to receive you." He turned and glanced at Loo's face in the moonlight.
"There will be a difference, you understand.

You will be a different person from what you were when last there," he went on, in a muffled voice.
"Yes, I understand," replied Barebone, gravely.

Already the dream was taking shape--Colville's persuasive voice had awakened him to find that it was no dream, but a reality--and Farlingford was fading back into the land of shadows.